Boeing has released a statement addressing its suspension of load testing for its 777X aircraft after a cargo door exploded outwards during a high-pressure ground stress test.
This marks another set back for the release date of the aircraft with this latest incident forcing postponement of the first flight to 2020.
A Boeing statement said: "During final load testing of the 777X static test airplane, a test which involves bending the wings of the airplane up to a level far beyond anything expected in commercial service, an issue arose that required the team to suspend testing.
"The testing issue occurred during the final minutes of the test, at approximately 99% of the final test loads, and involved a depressurization of the aft fuselage.
"The test team followed all safety protocols, and we are conducting a comprehensive root-cause assessment over the coming weeks. The static airplane has been successfully undergoing testing since June, and this was the final test for the static test article.
"While our root cause assessment continues, at this time we do not expect that this will have a significant impact on aircraft design or on our overall test program schedule. We remain fully focused on safety as our highest priority, as we subject the 777X to a rigorous test program prior to first flight."
Boeing has already delayed the 777-9’s planned entry into service once. The decision made back in August, followed GE Aviation finding what was reported to be “unexpected wear” in a part for its new engine, the GE9X.
These delays, along with the substantial resources needed to get the 737 Max back into service, now means that Boeing will focus on finishing the larger version of the 777X, the 777-9.